U.S. patent application number 14/922693 was filed with the patent office on 2016-04-28 for infant carrier transport.
The applicant listed for this patent is SAFE-STRAP COMPANY, INC.. Invention is credited to Paul Giampavolo, Christopher M. Johnson.
Application Number | 20160114824 14/922693 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55791363 |
Filed Date | 2016-04-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160114824 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Giampavolo; Paul ; et
al. |
April 28, 2016 |
INFANT CARRIER TRANSPORT
Abstract
Infant carriers are stably supported and transported by being
positioned on a frame set on wheels. The frame may include an
infant carrier holder with a floor with a ramp and sidewalls. The
infant carrier holder may be integral with the frame or may be
mounted to a mounting device that can be adjusted for mounting
angle or height. A handle is provided to the frame at a position
that is suitable for a person in a wheelchair to grasp the frame
and move the transport. A handle suitable for a standing person to
grasp the frame may optionally be provided. The transport permits a
person that may have difficulty carrying or transporting an infant
carrier to more easily transport the infant carrier in a standing
or a seated position, the latter as may be the case with a
wheelchair occupant. The transport may be fastened to the
wheelchair.
Inventors: |
Giampavolo; Paul; (Newton,
NJ) ; Johnson; Christopher M.; (Glen Allen,
VA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SAFE-STRAP COMPANY, INC. |
Wharton |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55791363 |
Appl. No.: |
14/922693 |
Filed: |
October 26, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62068420 |
Oct 24, 2014 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/47.38 ;
280/769; 29/428; 29/592 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62B 5/002 20130101;
B62B 3/1444 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B62B 3/14 20060101
B62B003/14 |
Claims
1. An infant carrier transport for transporting an infant carrier,
comprising: a frame for supporting the infant carrier; a plurality
of wheels connected to and supporting the frame for movement; an
infant carrier holder attached to the frame for stably supporting
the infant carrier; and a handle section of the frame including a
portion arranged at a height above the wheels and below the infant
carrier holder.
2. The transport according to claim 1, further comprising a
mounting element for mounting the infant carrier holder.
3. The transport according to claim 2, further comprising an
adjustable mechanism for adjusting one or more of an angle of
mounting or a height of mounting the infant carrier holder on the
mounting element.
4. The transport according to claim 1, wherein the infant carrier
holder further comprises: a floor element for supporting the infant
carrier; a plurality of sidewalls connected to the floor element
for limiting lateral movement of the infant carrier; and a mounting
component located on at least one surface of the infant carrier
holder and configured to be coupled to the frame to mount the
infant carrier holder to the frame.
5. The transport according to claim 1, further comprising the
infant carrier holder being integral with the frame.
6. The transport according to claim 1, further comprising a space
at a rear of the frame being defined by the frame and being open
between at least some of the wheels and the handle section.
7. The transport according to claim 1, further comprising a storage
space located above the wheels.
8. The transport according to claim 1, further comprising a storage
space above the portion of the handle section.
9. The transport according to claim 1, further comprising a
fastener on the portion of the handle section for fastening the
frame to another transport device.
10. A method for enabling transport of an infant carrier,
comprising: supporting an infant carrier holder on a frame;
supporting the frame on a plurality of wheels; and providing a
handle section of the frame with a portion arranged at a height
above the wheels and below the infant carrier holder.
11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising mounting
the infant carrier holder at a location and angle determined by a
mounting component attached to the frame.
12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising adjusting
adjusting one or more of an angle of mounting or a height of
mounting the infant carrier holder on the mounting element.
13. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: providing
the infant carrier holder with: a floor element for supporting the
infant carrier; a plurality of sidewalls connected to the floor
element for limiting lateral movement of the infant carrier; and a
mounting component located on at least one surface of the infant
carrier holder and configured to be coupled to the frame to mount
the infant carrier holder to the frame.
14. The method according to claim 10, further comprising
integrating the infant carrier holder with the frame.
15. The method according to claim 10, further comprising providing
a space at a rear of the transport defined by the frame and being
open between at least some of the wheels and the handle
section.
16. The method according to claim 10, further comprising providing
a storage space located above the wheels.
17. The method according to claim 10, further comprising providing
a storage space above the portion of the handle section.
18. The method according to claim 10, further comprising fastening
the frame to another transport device.
19. An infant carrier transport for transporting an infant carrier,
comprising: a frame for supporting the infant carrier; a plurality
of wheels connected to and supporting the frame for movement; an
infant carrier holder attached to the frame for stably supporting
the infant carrier; and a space at a rear of the frame being
defined by the frame and being open between at least some of the
wheels and the handle section.
20. The transport according to claim 19, wherein the infant carrier
holder further comprises: a floor element for supporting the infant
carrier; a plurality of sidewalls connected to the floor element
for limiting lateral movement of the infant carrier; and a mounting
component located on at least one surface of the infant carrier
holder and configured to be coupled to the frame to mount the
infant carrier holder to the frame.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/068,420, filed Oct. 24, 2014, the entire
contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a support for an
infant carrier, and relates more particularly to a holder for a
handheld infant carrier for use with a transport device.
[0003] Handheld infant carriers are well known and widely used for
transporting infants in a variety of circumstances. In the case of
transporting an infant in a motor vehicle, infant carrier
manufacturers sometimes provide a base that can be securely
installed in a rear seating area of the motor vehicle and can
accept a handheld infant carrier in a secure engagement. The
combination of infant carrier and base can provide a stable and
fixed transport platform so that an infant in such a carrier can be
securely and safely transported in the motor vehicle. Some infant
carriers are configured to be secured in a rear seating area of a
motor vehicle without a mating base. Infant carriers are sometimes
configured with a handle arrangement to permit the infant carrier
to be handheld and transported by hand. Infant carriers are
available that are designed to be easily releasable from the motor
vehicle securement to permit ease of manual transport. Some types
of infant carriers are also configured to be releaseably secured to
a stroller, to permit the infant carrier to be transported without
necessarily manually carrying the infant carrier.
[0004] In each of the configurations where an infant carrier mates
to a base or stroller for transport, the mating configuration is
typically proprietary to the infant carrier manufacturer.
Accordingly, an infant carrier made in accordance with one
manufacturer's design does not typically engage with or mate with a
transport base or cart that is provided in accordance with another
manufacturer's design. As a result, infant carriers tend to be
usable with transport mechanisms that are specifically designed for
that type of infant carrier, and no others.
[0005] A shopper with an infant in an infant carrier is often
challenged with regard to transporting the infant, infant carrier
and a shopping cart that is intended for transporting goods
selected by the shopper in a shopping environment. The infant
carrier is not ideally placed in a basket of the shopping cart,
since little room is left for selected goods, and the carrier may
not be stably secured. If the infant carrier is mated to an
associated stroller that is specific to the infant carrier design,
the shopping customer is challenged to transport the infant
carrier-stroller combination and the shopping cart in a shopping
environment.
[0006] Alternately, the shopper may opt to manually transport the
infant in the infant carrier while pushing the shopping cart, which
raises another set of challenges. For example, it may be physically
difficult for the shopper to carry the infant carrier throughout
the shopping experience. Handheld infant carriers can be relatively
weighty and thus challenging for users to carry for a duration of a
shopping trip. The shopper may set the infant carrier on a floor of
the shopping environment while selecting goods, for example, which
represents a challenge for protection of the infant from potential
dangers such as may be presented from dropped objects, being a
tripping hazard, or being hit by shopping carts. In addition, the
infant is located near to the potentially unsanitary surface of the
shopping environment floor.
[0007] Recognizing some of these challenges, some infant carrier
manufacturers have produced designs intended to be used with
popular shopping cart models that permit the infant carrier to be
located on a shopping cart in a somewhat stable arrangement. For
example, the infant carrier may be configured to cooperate with the
handle, gate or foldout seatback of a shopping cart to obtain a
somewhat stable perch for the infant carrier. This approach to
meeting the above-noted challenges of handling an infant carrier in
a shopping environment has several drawbacks. For example, the
infant carrier tends to be mounted on the shopping cart at a fairly
high location relative to the shopping cart center of gravity,
potentially increasing the tip-over risk of the infant carrier or
the shopping cart in combination with the infant carrier. In
addition, the infant carrier configuration tends to be fairly
specific to the manufacturer, as noted above, so that the infant
carrier is not usable with all varieties of shopping carts, which
tend to vary significantly among retail establishments.
Accordingly, the customer with an infant in an infant carrier faces
a number of challenges in shopping environments in general.
[0008] The use of infant carriers in other circumstances can
present different challenges. For example, new mothers leaving a
health facility after giving birth may have difficulty carrying an
infant carrier with a new infant. Some health facilities, including
some hospitals, require that an infant carrier be available for the
newborn infant to be transported home.
SUMMARY
[0009] In accordance with the present disclosure, there is provided
an infant carrier holder for use with a transport device. The
transport device may be a wheeled vehicle that is moved manually.
The infant carrier holder accommodates a wide variety of infant
carriers in a stable arrangement on the transport device, including
on a wide variety of shopping carts or other wheeled transports.
The infant carrier holder can be mounted to a variety of transport
devices, including a variety of shopping carts that may have
significantly different configurations.
[0010] In an example implementation, a holder for a handheld infant
carrier is provided, which acts as a mechanical interface between
the infant carrier and the transport device, such as a shopping
cart. The infant carrier holder can be stably secured to a manual
transport device, including a majority of various shopping cart
designs, and can accommodate and stably support a majority of
infant carrier designs.
[0011] In some implementations, the infant carrier holder is
configured to be nestable, in that the infant carrier holder can
receive and accommodate at least a portion of another infant
carrier holder. This feature may be provided especially when the
infant carrier holder is mounted on a nestable shopping cart, for
example. In addition, the infant carrier holder is stackable, e.g.,
for storage and shipping, so that a number of infant carrier
holders can be maintained in a smaller or condensed amount of
space.
[0012] The infant carrier holder may include one or more
projections that protrude from an upwardly facing surface. The
projection(s) is (are) configured and arranged to provide support
for an infant carrier placed atop the infant carrier holder such
that the infant carrier is generally stabilized when placed atop
the infant carrier holder in cooperation with the
projection(s).
[0013] The infant carrier holder may include one or more upright
walls located at a lateral edge of the infant carrier holder. Each
wall can contribute to stabilizing the infant carrier in the infant
carrier holder, such as by preventing translational lateral
movement of the infant carrier. The one or more upright walls can
also contribute to locating the infant carrier in relation to the
projection(s) discussed above, so that the stabilizing relationship
obtained between the infant carrier and the projection(s) can be
established and maintained.
[0014] The infant carrier holder may include a mechanism for
contributing to securing the infant carrier to the infant carrier
holder. For example, a strap affixed to the infant carrier holder
can be secured around the infant carrier to maintain the infant
carrier in the infant carrier holder. The strap may be configured
to have a buckle that can be readily clasped and unclasped to
secure and free the infant carrier, respectively. The strap may be
adjustable to permit a custom fit to the size and shape of the
infant carrier. Any other types of securing mechanisms may readily
be used with the infant carrier holder, including such mechanisms
as harnesses, releasable clamps, elastic cords or other components,
retractable stay-bars, and any other mechanisms that can contribute
to securing the infant carrier to the infant carrier holder.
[0015] A mounting mechanism may be provided for the infant carrier
holder. The mounting mechanism may be adjustable, to permit a
secure attachment to a variety of transport devices, including
shopping carts. In an example implementation, the infant carrier
holder can be attached to a shopping cart gate, to permit the
infant carrier holder to swing with the shopping cart gate, such as
upon the shopping cart being nested with another shopping cart,
causing the gate to be rotated upward. According to another example
implementation, the infant carrier holder can be attached to the
frame and/or push handle of a transport device, in a position to
permit nesting of multiple transport devices with infant carrier
holders. The infant carrier holder can be located and positioned to
avoid interfering with any other transport device functions. For
example, in the case of a shopping cart, the infant carrier holder
may be mounted to a basket and/or push handle in a position to
permit free movement of a gate and foldout seat, so that the infant
carrier holder does not obstruct the nesting action of the shopping
cart.
[0016] The infant carrier holder may be located on the frame of the
transport device, for example on the frame of a shopping cart
within or above a region of the shopping cart basket to avoid
interference with the operation of nesting related components of
the shopping cart. The infant carrier holder is provided with an
attachment mechanism to permit mounting to various locations on the
transport device, and in the case of a shopping cart, permits
mounting in locations that interfere or do not interfere with the
nesting operation of the shopping cart. In some instances, some
mounting locations for the infant carrier holder may be preferred
for stability or ease of use, even though mounting the infant
carrier in those locations may cause the transport device or
shopping cart to be non-nestable with other like transport devices
or shopping carts.
[0017] The infant carrier holder is composed of material that
resists influences of harsh environments, including extremes of
heat and cold and precipitation. The infant carrier holder may be
configured to include one or more openings to permit water drainage
to avoid pooling caused by precipitation, for example. The material
of the infant carrier holder may be chosen to be able to resist
impacts, such as may occur from contact with other transport
devices or carts or infant carrier holders, as well as other
objects that may be encountered during transport or in a shopping
environment.
[0018] According to an example implementation, an infant carrier
transport is provided. The infant carrier transport can be used in
applications for a person sitting or standing and transporting an
infant in an infant carrier. For example, a person sitting in a
wheelchair can use the infant carrier transport to transport an
infant carrier to avoid lifting and carrying the infant carrier, or
to avoid positioning the infant carrier on the wheelchair,
including positioning the infant carrier in the person's lap.
[0019] The infant carrier transport is provided with a frame
suitable for mounting an infant carrier holder at a desired angle.
The infant carrier holder may be mounted to the frame with a
mounting device, or may be integral with the frame. An adjustable
mount that permits mounting of the infant carrier holder at
different angles can be provided to the infant carrier transport.
The frame can be provided with wheels, such as casters, for
example, that may be fixed in position, or pivotable. The frame may
be provided with a storage space to permit other articles to be
transported along with an infant carrier. Handles may be provided
to the frame to permit a person to grasp and push or pull the
infant carrier transport. Multiple handles may be provided to
permit a person to use the transport by grasping the handles in
either a standing or a sitting position. The transport may be
provided with a brake to slow or obstruct movement of the
transport, or to lock the transport in place.
[0020] A variable mounting device may be provided to the transport
to permit the height of the infant carrier holder to be adjusted.
The adjustable height of the mounted infant carrier holder permits
persons in various positions and of different heights to more
easily use the infant carrier transport. For example, a person
using the transport may wish to have the infant carrier positioned
at eye level if they are in a sitting position, such as may be the
case if the person is sitting in a wheelchair, for example.
[0021] The transport can be coupled to a wheelchair or other
personal transportation device with a releasable attachment
mechanism. For example, hook and loop fastened straps, buckles,
adjustable bars, tube frames or any other suitable device that can
couple the transport to the wheelchair or personal transportation
device may be used. The transport can be configured to accommodate
multiple infant carriers, for example, in a stacked or side-by-side
configuration. According to an aspect, the wheels of the transport
can all pivot around an upwardly facing axis when the transport is
coupled to a wheelchair, to permit the transport to move in lateral
directions in accordance with the movement of the wheelchair.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in
greater detail below, with reference to the accompanying drawings,
in which:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the infant carrier holder in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the infant carrier holder as
used with a shopping cart in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the infant carrier holder
as used with a shopping cart in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the infant carrier holder as
used with each of two nested shopping carts in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the infant carrier holder in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the infant carrier holder
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0029] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the infant carrier holder as
used with a shopping cart in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0030] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the infant carrier holder
as used with a shopping cart in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0031] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the infant carrier holder as
used with each of three nested shopping carts in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0032] FIGS. 10-12 are perspective views of another exemplary
embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0033] FIGS. 13-15 are various views of an infant carrier transport
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure. The infant carrier transport may utilize an infant
carrier holder in accordance with any of the above described infant
carriers. The infant carrier transport may be used with a
wheelchair, as shown in FIG. 13, or may be used by a person in a
standing position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] This application is based on U.S. Provisional Application
No. 62/068,420, filed Oct. 24, 2014, entitled "INFANT CARRIER
TRANSPORT," the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated
herein by reference.
[0035] The present disclosure provides an infant carrier holder for
use with a transport device. The transport device can be, for
example, a shopping cart. The infant carrier holder can act as a
mechanical interface between various models of transport devices or
shopping carts and various models of infant carriers. The infant
carrier holder can be adapted for use with a variety of shopping
cart models, and can contribute to securely accommodating infant
carriers of various models and types.
[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, an exemplary embodiment of
an infant carrier holder 100, referred to herein as holder 100, is
illustrated. Holder 100 has a generally concave shape and is sized
to receive any of various infant carriers (not shown). Holder 100
includes opposing sidewalls 102 and a rear wall 104. Sidewalls 102
and rear wall 104 are connected together to form a concave shape in
conjunction with an interior lower surface or floor 106. The
concave shape of holder 100 provides lateral stability and support
for an infant carrier placed atop holder 100 and generally in
contact with and supported by floor 106.
[0037] Holder 100 includes ramps 110 that are situated near side
walls 102 and toward a front edge 108 of holder 100. Ramps 110 are
arranged to have an arcuate upper surface 112 that extends in a
curved shape from a high point 114 to be coextensive with floor
106. The curved shape of surface 112 cooperates with a curved lower
surface of an infant carrier to seat the infant carrier in a stable
position with respect to holder 100. In general, infant carriers
have curved lower surfaces that can generally cooperate with
surface 112 of ramp 110 to contribute to preventing the infant
carrier from sliding or changing position within holder 100. The
curvature of the lower surface of infant carriers is typically an
arc, which may be a circular arc that varies between model types
and manufacturers, but generally has a length within a range of
from about 15.degree. to about 25.degree.. The radius of curvature
of the arc can be calculated according to Equation 1
r = W 2 8 H + H 2 ( Equation 1 ) ##EQU00001##
where r is the radius of curvature, W is the width of the arc, and
H is the height of the arc.
[0038] The radius of curvature of surface 112 can be in the range
of from about 50 to about 200 inches, as calculated using Equation
1. The length of the arc described by surface 112 can be determined
from the angular range (in radians) of from about 15.degree. to
about 25.degree. times the radius. The shape and size of ramp 110
generally acts to prevent infant carriers placed within holder 100
from rocking or sliding by cooperating with the lower curved
surface of the infant carrier. In general, ramps 110 and curved
surfaces 112 provide a stabilizing support for infant carriers
placed atop and/or in holder 100 to permit various models of infant
carriers to be uniformly supported and stabilized on holder
100.
[0039] Holder 100 is intended to be usable with a shopping cart 150
(FIG. 2) that nests with other, like shopping carts 150. Two
shopping carts 150, as shown in FIG. 4, can generally be nested by
urging a front of one shopping cart 150 through a gate opening 152
of another shopping cart 150, tending to urge a gate 154 of the
other shopping cart 150 upward in a pivoting motion. The nested
shopping carts 150 tend to take up less space, and permit a number
of nested shopping carts 150 to be handled all together. Holder 100
facilitates use on nestable shopping cart 150 with the provision of
openings, such as opening 120, for example, that are located and
sized to accommodate ramps 110 of another holder 100 when holders
100 are installed on sequential, nested shopping carts. In FIG. 4,
nested shopping carts 150 are shown with nested holders 100 that
include openings 120 that can accommodate ramps 110 when holders
100 are nested due to being mounted on nested shopping carts
150.
[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, holder 100 is shown in an
exemplary embodiment as having a number of through openings 130
arranged in floor 106. Openings 130 permit fluids that might be
collected by holder 100 to drain off of floor 106 through openings
130. For example, if holder 100 is exposed to rain in an outdoor
environment, holder 100 does not collect the precipitation, instead
permitting the rainwater to drain through openings 130. Similarly,
if holder 100 is exposed to a spill of liquid in a shopping
environment, for example, the liquid can drain through openings 130
to avoid collection of liquid by holder 100. The provision of
openings 130 also reduces the amount of material used to construct
holder 100. It should be understood that openings 130 are not
required, and can be omitted, or provided in any useful pattern to
obtain the above-noted benefits.
[0041] Holder 100 also includes rails 140 located on upper edges of
sidewalls 102. Rails 140 are formed as outwardly curved portions of
the upper edge of sidewalls 102. Rails 140 provide a reinforcing
structure for sidewalls 102, as well as providing a location for
attachment of a strap portion 170, 172 that can be used to secure
the infant carrier to holder 100. For example, rails 140 may
include a through opening 142, which can be used to secure an end
of strap portions 170, 172 to holder 100. Rails 140 also are
designed to permit a certain amount of overlap with rails 140 of
another nested holder 100 when two shopping carts 150 with holders
100 are nested together, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Rails 140 thus
have an upward slant from a rear to a front of shopping cart 150 to
which holder 100 is mounted. The upward slant of rails 140 thus
accommodates rails 140 of another nested holder 100 when holders
100 are mounted to sequentially nested shopping carts 150.
[0042] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure, holder 100 includes straps 170, 172 that are attached
at one end to side rails 140, with another end attached to a
respective buckle segment 174, 176. Straps 170, 172 can be coupled
together around an infant carrier using buckle segments 174, 176 to
secure the infant carrier in holder 100. Strap 172 includes an
adjustment device 178 that can be used to adjust a length of strap
172. Although not shown in the drawings, strap 170 may alternately
or additionally include an adjustment device 178 to permit strap
170 to be adjustable. The overall length of the combination of
straps 170, 172 when coupled together with buckle segments 174, 176
can be adjusted using adjustment device 178 to provide a snug and
secure arrangement for retaining the infant carrier in holder 100.
For example, strap 172 can be adjusted using adjustment device 178
to lengthen a distance between side rail 140 and buckle segment 176
prior to coupling buckle segments 174, 176 around an infant carrier
placed in holder 100. Such an adjustment permits buckle segments
174, 176 to be coupled without significant tension being placed on
straps 170, 172. Strap 172 can then be adjusted to tighten straps
170, 172 around the infant carrier using adjustment device 178 to
secure the infant carrier in holder 100. It should be apparent that
other types of adjustment devices or securing mechanisms may be
used together with, or in place of straps 170, 172, adjustment
device 178 and/or buckle segments 174, 176. Such examples may
include harnesses, releasable clamps, elastic cords or other
elastic components, retractable stay bars, and any other mechanism
that can contribute to securing the infant carrier in holder 100.
For example, buckle segments 174, 176 can incorporate one or more
adjustment devices, such as adjustment device 178, or can
incorporate one or more securing mechanisms to secure straps 170,
172.
[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, holder 100 is mounted to
shopping cart 150 with brackets 210, 220. Bracket 210 includes
vertical members 212 with openings 214, 216 and 218, which can be
used to secure vertical member 212 to shopping cart 150. The
placement of openings 214, 216 and 218 on vertical member 212 allow
for adjustment in the attachment of bracket 210 to shopping cart
150. Opening 216 is a slotted opening, which permits additional
flexibility in securing vertical member 212 to shopping cart 150.
Shopping carts 150 can have varying tolerances in their
construction among carts of the same model that can be accommodated
by the variable securing location permitted by opening 216 being
slotted in shape. In addition, different model carts may be used in
the same retail establishment, which differences can be
accommodated with the variety of securing locations provided by
openings 214, 216 and 218. For example, either opening 214 or 218
may be located and secured to a particular point on a sidewall of a
cart such as shopping cart 150 or a different model cart. Opening
216 may then be used to secure bracket 210 to the cart at a
variable securing location by being slotted. By providing openings
214, 216 and 218 in this configuration, a number of shopping cart
configurations, including that of shopping cart 150, can be
accommodated for mounting holder 100.
[0044] The locations of openings 214, 216 and 218 permit brackets
210 to be secured in a position on shopping cart 150 to provide a
certain height for holder 100 above an edge of the basket of
shopping cart 150. The height of holder 100 above the basket edge
of shopping cart 150 provides clearance for gate 154 to pivot
upward when another shopping cart 150 is urged into gate opening
152 of shopping cart 150. In addition, the height of holder 100
above the basket edge of shopping cart 150 accommodates nesting of
another holder 100, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Bracket 210 is
located along a length of holder 100 to avoid interference with a
nested holder 100 from another nested shopping cart 150, while
providing suitable support for an infant carrier placed atop and/or
within holder 100. The location at which bracket 210 is connected
to holder 100 can be provided as a pivoting connection to permit
holder 100 to be set as various heights above the basket edge of
shopping cart 150 using various vertical locations for vertical
member 212 being secured to a sidewall of shopping cart 150.
[0045] Bracket 220 secures holder 100 to shopping cart 150 at a
handle 156, using an attachment extension 116 that extends
vertically from an underside of holder 100 in a mounted position.
According to an exemplary embodiment, extension 116 is molded as
part of holder 100. It should be understood that extension 116, or
like attachment structures can be optionally omitted or formed as
part of a bracket and secured to holder 100 using any type of
common securing mechanism, including screws, rivets, bolts and the
like. By providing extension 116 as a molded portion of holder 100,
an attachment of holder 100 to handle 156 avoids interruption in
floor 106 of holder 100, for example. Extension 116 can include
openings (not shown) or receptacles (not shown) for screws, rivets,
bolts and the like to permit bracket 220 to be securely attached to
extension 116. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, bracket
220 is a U-bolt, shaped as a "U" and secured around handle 156 with
a nut 222 and a bolt 224. Extension 116 attached to bracket 220
elevates a base of holder 100 above handle 156 to permit a shopping
cart user to access handle 156 under holder 100 to be able to push
a shopping cart 150.
[0046] By providing brackets 210, 220, holder 100 is elevated above
shopping cart 150 in a location to permit holder 100 to be nested
with other holders 100 when like shopping carts 150 are nested.
Brackets 210, 220 also locate holder 100 to avoid interference with
a nesting operation of shopping carts 150, but providing a
clearance for gate 154 to pivot upward when shopping carts 150 are
nested in addition to avoiding interference with a handle 156 of a
nested shopping cart, as illustrated in FIG. 4. It should be
understood that carrier 100 can be mounted in other locations on
shopping cart 150, using brackets 210, 220 or other attachment
configurations. In some locations, holder 100 may interfere with
shopping cart 150 being urged into a nesting configuration with
another shopping cart 150, or may interfere with another shopping
cart 150 being urged into a nesting configuration with shopping
cart 150 having holder 100. For example, holder 100 may be mounted
within a basket of shopping cart 150 to lower a height of an infant
carrier placed on or within holder 100. Accordingly, a shopping
cart to which holder 100 is mounted need not be nestable with other
like shopping carts, but can be treated separately from other carts
by a manager of a retail establishment as providing the feature of
an infant carrier holder.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 5, an exemplary embodiment of an
infant carrier holder 500, referred to herein as holder 500, is
illustrated. Holder 500 has a generally concave shape and is sized
to receive any of various infant carriers (not shown). Component
parts of holder 500 can each be configured to have a generally
concave or scalloped contour, such as opposing sidewalls 502 or a
floor 506, as shown in FIG. 5. Holder 500 includes a rear wall 504
that is relatively smaller in height than a front edge 508.
Sidewalls 502 and rear wall 504 are connected together to form a
concave shape in conjunction with an interior lower surface or
floor 506. The concave shape of holder 500 provides lateral
stability and support for an infant carrier placed atop and/or in
holder 500 and generally in contact with and supported by floor
506.
[0048] Holder 500 has dimensions that are suitable for use with a
majority of shopping carts 150. For example, holder 500 can be
approximately 18 inches long, with front edge 508 having a height
about 7 inches, and a width of approximately 14 inches. An interior
dimension of holder 500 is sufficiently smaller than an overall
dimension of holder 500, which contributes to providing clearances
when several holders 500 are involved in a nesting operation, as
discussed in greater detail below. Holder 500 can be dimensioned to
fit within a basket of a shopping cart of given configuration.
Typically, Holder 500 has a smaller width than that of a shopping
cart to which it is mounted.
[0049] Holder 500 includes ramps 510 that are situated near side
walls 502 and toward front edge 508. Ramps 510 are arranged to have
an arcuate upper surface 512 that is raised above floor 506 and
curves from a high point 514 to a low point 516. The curved shape
of surface 512 cooperates with a curved lower surface of an infant
carrier to seat the infant carrier in a stable position with
respect to holder 500. In general, as described above, infant
carriers have curved lower surfaces that can generally cooperate
with surface 512 of ramp 510 to contribute to preventing the infant
carrier from sliding or changing position on and/or within holder
500.
[0050] The radius of curvature of surface 512 can be in the range
of from about 50 to about 200 inches, as calculated using Equation
1. The length of the arc described by surface 512 can be determined
from the angular range (in radians) of from about 15.degree. to
about 25.degree. times the radius. The shape and size of ramps 510
generally acts to prevent infant carriers placed within holder 500
from rocking or sliding by cooperating with the lower curved
surface of the infant carrier. In general, ramps 510 and curved
surfaces 512 provide a stabilizing support for infant carriers
placed atop and/or in holder 500 to permit various models of infant
carriers to be uniformly supported and stabilized on holder
500.
[0051] Ramps 510 are shown as ending in protrusions 518, which form
an abutment for an infant carrier placed in holder 500. Protrusions
518 contribute to spacing the infant carrier from edge 508, as well
as a surface to which holder 500 is mounted, for example a surface
that is flush with edge 508, such as gate 154. Infant carriers
often include a support base that supports the infant carrier bed,
and typically has a curved bottom to permit the infant carrier to
rock when placed on a flat surface. The support base also typically
does not extend as far as the bed of the infant carrier, so that
the bed forms an overhang or lip with regard to the support base.
Protrusions 518, in addition to abutting against the support base
of the infant carrier, provide spacing or an offset for the infant
carrier so that the overhang of the bed can be accommodated in
holder 500, without the bed abutting against holder 500 or shopping
cart 150. Also, by contacting the support base of the infant
carrier, protrusions 518 help to provide a more stable support and
alignment for the infant carrier, then might otherwise be provided
if the bed of the infant carrier were to abut against holder 500 at
front edge 508, or abut against shopping cart 150, such as at gate
154.
[0052] Referring for a moment to FIG. 9, holder 500 is intended to
be usable with shopping cart 150 that nests with other, like
shopping carts 150. Shopping carts 150 can generally be nested by
urging a front of one shopping cart 150 through a gate opening 152
of another shopping cart 150, tending to urge a gate 154 of the
other shopping cart 150 upward in a pivoting motion. The nested
shopping carts 150 tend to take up less space, and permit a number
of nested shopping carts 150 to be handled all together. Holder 500
facilitates use on nestable shopping cart 150 by being mounted to
gate 154, to permit holder 500 to pivot upward with gate 154 in a
nesting action.
[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, holder 500 is shown in an
exemplary embodiment as having a number of through openings 530
arranged in floor 506. Openings 530 permit fluids that might be
collected by holder 500 to drain off of floor 506 through openings
530. For example, if holder 500 is exposed to rain in an outdoor
environment, holder 500 does not collect the precipitation, instead
permitting the rainwater to drain through openings 530. Similarly,
if holder 500 is exposed to a spill of liquid in a shopping
environment, for example, the liquid can drain through openings 530
to avoid collection of liquid by holder 500. The provision of
openings 530 also reduces the amount of material used to construct
holder 500. It should be understood that openings 530 are not
required, and can be omitted, or provided in any useful pattern to
obtain the above-noted benefits.
[0054] Holder 500 also includes rails 540 located on upper edges of
sidewalls 502. Rails 540 are formed as outwardly curved portions of
the upper edge of sidewalls 502. Rails 540 provide a reinforcing
structure for sidewalls 502, as well as providing a location for
openings 520 that can serve as points of attachment for straps (not
shown) that can form parts of a belt (not shown) that can be used
to secure an infant carrier in and/or on holder 500. It should be
apparent that other types of adjustable or non-adjustable securing
mechanisms may be used on holder 500 to secure an infant carrier in
and/or on holder 500. Examples of such mechanisms may include
harnesses, releasable clamps, elastic cords or other elastic
components, retractable stay bars, and any other mechanism that can
contribute to securing the infant carrier in holder 500.
[0055] Referring now to FIGS. 5-8, holder 500 is mounted to
shopping cart 150 with brackets 550. Front edge 508 of holder 500
includes through openings 552 that can accept mounting brackets to
secure holder 500 to shopping cart 150. Bracket 550 includes a
U-bolt with threaded ends that are passed through openings 552 and
on which nuts are screwed to abut an opposing side of front edge
508 to securely affix a portion of gate 154 within bracket 550.
Bracket 550 thus securely fastens front edge 508 of holder 500 to
gate 154 of shopping cart 150. Holder 500 may also include plates
554 on either side of holder 500 to provide additional support for
mounting and operating holder 500. Plates 554 may be composed of a
suitable material that provides rigidity and support to at least
certain portions of holder 500. For example, plates 554 may be
composed of a metal such as brass alloys, or brass constituents,
aluminum, or iron and iron derivatives and metal plated structures.
Each of plates 554 can be configured to have a portion that abuts
an opposing side of front edge 508 to reinforce support provided by
front edge 508 being mounted to gate 154. Each of plates 554 can
also have a portion that extends along an exterior portion of
sidewalls 502, where plates 554 can be securely fastened at points
556 with fasteners such as nuts and bolts, screws, rivets, or any
other type of useful fastener. Plates 554 can be arranged under
protrusions 558 to provide additional stability, support and
leverage for holder 500 when in use in regular operation, including
during nesting actions for shopping cart 150.
[0056] Front edge 508 has a generally planar shape, so that a
relatively large area of front edge 508 contacts gate 154. This
relatively large, planar area included in front edge 508
contributes to stabilizing, supporting and providing leverage to
holder 500 when an infant carrier is placed in and/or on holder
500. Likewise, the shape of front edge 508 helps to stabilize,
support, and leverage holder 500 when gate 154 is pivoted upward in
a nesting action, and when holder 500 is in a generally vertical
position as a result of gate 154 being pivoted into a position
suitable for nesting shopping carts 150 (FIG. 9).
[0057] Brackets 550 and openings 552 permit a certain amount of
flexibility in mounting holder 500 to shopping cart 150. For
example, openings 552 can be oval in shape, or slotted, to permit
brackets 550 to be moved in-plane with the plane of front edge 508.
Brackets 550 are configured to mount to horizontal member of gate
154, however other or additional brackets configured to mount to
vertical and/or horizontal members of gate 154 can be provided.
[0058] In general, holder 500 is mounted to gate 154 with brackets
550 at a selectable height. According to an exemplary embodiment,
holder 500 is mounted to gate 154 at a highest extent available for
accommodating brackets 550. Mounting holder 500 at such a location
accommodates nesting of another holder 500, as illustrated in FIG.
9. In addition, holder 500 being mounted to gate 154 avoids
interference with handle 156 to permit a user to easily grasp
handle 156 to push shopping cart 150. It should be understood that
holder 500 can be mounted, for example, using additional brackets
(not shown), to extend and be located above a highest extent of
gate 154 or handle 156. Mounting holder 500 near a top of gate 154
provides the advantages of a reasonable height for placing an
infant carrier in holder 500 for a majority of users, as well as a
low center of gravity for the infant carrier with respect to
shopping cart 150. Such a placement of holder 500 also reserves the
majority of shopping cart 150 for products being selected for
purchase, while preserving the ability of shopping cart 150 to nest
with other like shopping carts 150, even when those other shopping
carts 150 include a holder 500.
[0059] According to an exemplary embodiment, brackets 550 used to
mount holder 500 to shopping cart 150 can include angular
adjustment devices (not shown) that can be used to adjust the
mounting angle of holder 500. Typically, an infant carrier has a
desired angle of approximately 45 degrees for positioning an
infant. The angle of 45 degrees for the infant is typically
obtained when the infant carrier is rested on a flat surface, or in
a mating base used for a motor vehicle seat. The concave or scallop
shape of holder 500 promotes positioning of an infant carrier at a
desired angle to obtain the desired 45 degrees for the infant. By
adjusting the mounting angle of holder 500 mounted on shopping cart
150, the desired angle for supporting an infant carrier can be
adjusted on an individual basis per shopping cart 150. Accordingly,
such a mounting angle adjustment, which can be achieved using
wedges (not shown) located between front edge 508 and shopping cart
150, provides a customized mounting solution for obtaining a
desired mounting angle. Such wedges can be provided in different
angular configurations to permit selection of various mounting
angles. Such wedges can also be combined to obtain a desired angle
for mounting holder 500. Alternately, or in addition, holder 500
can be integral with shopping cart 150, such as by being formed as
part of gate 154. In such an embodiment, front edge 508 may be
omitted, so that gate 154 acts as a front edge for holder 500 that
is integrated with shopping cart 150. In such an integral
embodiment, angular adjustment devices can also be used to obtain a
desired mounting angle.
[0060] Holder 500 is generally concavely curved in shape to obtain
several advantages. The generally concave shape of holder 500
provides additional security for an infant carrier placed within
holder 500, as the infant carrier is generally urged into a stable
location by the curved surfaces, including rear wall 504, floor
506, sidewalls 502, ramps 510 and protrusions 518. In particular,
an infant carrier placed in holder 500 tends to be urged by the
concave shape to slide downward toward gate 154 of shopping cart
150. An end of a carrier support (not shown) or an end of the
carrier (not shown) is thus urged toward edge 508 to abut
protrusions 518. This configuration can thus support the carrier in
a stable position due to the urging provided by the concave shape
of holder 500 and the abutment against protrusions 518.
[0061] The generally concave shape also contributes to permitting
holder 500 to perform a nesting action. Referring to FIG. 9, an
exterior lower edge portion of holder 500 is relatively higher than
handle 156, due at least in part to the generally concave shape of
holder 500. When shopping cart 150 is urged into another cart in a
nesting action, holder 500 can ride over handle 156 to urge gate
154 to pivot upward. Moreover, such positioning permits holder 500
to ride over handle 156 when another cart is nested into shopping
cart 150, so that handle 156 does not block holder 500 from
pivoting upward with gate 154 during such nesting.
[0062] When another cart is nested into shopping cart 150, and gate
154 is pivoted upward, holder 500 moves from riding over handle 156
to an upright position. In moving through these positions in a
pivoting motion, holder 500 avoids contact with another holder 500
mounted to another shopping cart 150 into which shopping cart 150
is being nested, as illustrated in FIG. 9. The concave shape of
rails 540, for example, provides a clearance for a rear edge and
rear wall 504 of holder 500 to pass by during nesting without
interference between holders 500.
[0063] Holder 500 can also be configured to have rails 540 contact
and slide on rails 540 of a second holder 500 on a second shopping
cart 150 in a nesting action. In this exemplary configuration, a
first shopping cart 150 is nested into a second shopping cart 150,
as illustrated in FIG. 9, and rails 540 of a first holder 500 on
the first shopping cart 150 contact and ride on rails 540 of a
second holder 500 on the second shopping cart 150 during nesting.
Since rails 540 are concave or scallop shaped, rails 540 of the
first holder 500 can contact rails 540 of the second holder 500 on
a curved contour to reduce impact. Rails 540 of the first holder
500 can then ride the curved rails 540 of the second holder 500,
which urge the first holder 500 into an upright position to assist
in the nesting action. If the first holder 500 is attached to gate
154, gate 154 is also urged to pivot upward toward a nesting
position, which can contribute to permitting an additional shopping
cart 150 to nest with the already nested cart 150. Rails 540 of
holder 500 can be provided with a hardened plastic or metal surface
to permit rails 540 of another holder 500 to contact and slide on
the hardened plastic or metal surface of the so configured rails
540. It should be understood that any type of material can be used
for the surface of rails 540 to permit contact and sliding or
riding action by rails 540 or rear wall 504 of another holder
500.
[0064] The concave shape of rails 540 also contribute to reducing a
height of sidewalls 502. The reduced height of sidewalls 502
contributes to stabilizing an infant carrier placed in holder 500.
Infant carriers typically have a handle that the user can grasp and
use to transport the infant carrier. The handle is typically
coupled to the infant carrier at a pivot joint on lateral sides of
the infant carrier. Often, the pivot joint is locked to prevent the
infant carrier from pivoting when being carried by the handle. The
pivot joints of the infant carrier typically extend laterally from
the sides of the infant carrier and are often located near the bed
portion of the infant carrier. By providing sidewalls 502 with a
reduced height, the pivot joints of the infant carrier are spaced
from rails 540 of holder 500, to avoid having the pivot joints of
the infant carrier rest on rails 540 of holder 500. With this
configuration, the infant carrier is supported by its base on floor
506 and/or ramps 510, to provide a stable support for the infant
carrier. The clearance from the pivot joints of the infant carrier
provided by the reduced height of sidewalls 502 avoids the infant
carrier being supported by the pivot joints. Such a relationship
avoids a less stable support arrangement for the infant carrier,
where the infant carrier would likely be able to rock or move when
supported by the pivot joints.
[0065] It should be understood that carrier 500 can be mounted in
other locations on shopping cart 150, using brackets 550 or other
attachment configurations. In some locations, holder 500 may
interfere with shopping cart 150 being urged into a nesting
configuration with another shopping cart 150, or may interfere with
another shopping cart 150 being urged into a nesting configuration
with shopping cart 150 having holder 500. For example, holder 500
may be mounted within a basket of shopping cart 150 to lower a
height of an infant carrier placed on or within holder 500. In such
a location, holder 500 may be below handle 156 and be blocked from
pivoting upward in a nesting action. Holder 500 being located lower
in the basket of shopping cart 150 may be free to pivot upward in a
nesting action when shopping cart 150 is not nested into another
cart, but not when another cart is nested into shopping cart 150.
Because shopping cart 150 with holder 500 in a lower position in
the basket may respond differently to different nesting actions, it
may be treated separately from other carts by a manager of a retail
establishment as providing the feature of an infant carrier
holder.
[0066] Referring to FIGS. 10-12, another exemplary embodiment of an
infant carrier holder 700 in accordance with the present disclosure
is illustrated. Holder 700 is formed out of tubular material that
can be metal, such as aluminum or stainless steel, or other
materials including plastics and composites of fiber and polymers,
or any other material suitable for providing the desired strength
and durability for supporting an infant carrier in harsh
environments, such as is discussed above.
[0067] Holder 700 illustrated in FIGS. 10-12 is similar in function
to holder 500, as being mountable to a gate 154 of a shopping cart
150 to pivot upward with gate 154 in a nesting action. Holder 700
is scoop-shaped, or interiorly concave, similar to holder 500, to
permit sequential shopping carts 150 with holder 700 mounted
thereon to have clearance for a pivoting action when gate 154 to
which holder 700 is mounted pivots upward in a nesting action. In
addition, the shape permits holder 700 to be urged upward, for
example by a handle 156 of shopping cart 150 into which a shopping
cart 150/holder 700 combination is being nested. The concave shape
of the holder 700 provides a front edge 712 that is generally
higher than handle 156 of shopping cart 150 into which the holder
700/shopping cart 150 combination is being nested when holder 700
is mounted to gate 154 of shopping cart 150. With this shape, size
and position, holder 700 is able to pivot with gate 154 in a
nesting action, as well as urge gate 154 to pivot when being
nested, and can swing upward with gate 154 without interference or
interfering with other shopping carts 150 or holders 700 mounted
thereto.
[0068] Holder 700 illustrated in FIGS. 10-12 includes support
members 720 that extend from a front 710 to a back 714 of holder
700 near a centerline of holder 700. Support members 720 provide
support for an infant carrier 730, as illustrated in FIG. 11, near
a centerline of infant carrier 730. Accordingly, illustrated holder
700 does not depend on ramps to stabilize infant carrier 730, but
rather a stabilizing centerline support that fits infant carriers
in general. For example, infant carriers often have two curved
supports at a lower portion to support the infant carrier being
placed on a surface, such as a table or floor, while permitting the
infant carrier to be rocked on the curved supports. The curved
supports are typically implemented as runners, such as might be
found on a rocking chair, with a gap in between. Support members
720 of illustrated holder 700 support infant carrier 730 in the gap
between the curved supports of infant carrier 730 to provide a
secure and stable mounting for infant carrier 730.
[0069] In addition, an outer frame 716 of illustrated holder 700
acts to stabilize infant carrier 730 while being supported by
support members 720. Outer frame 716 tends to retain infant carrier
730 in a position on support members 720, and thus on holder 720,
to enhance the stability and support for infant carrier 730. The
size and shape of outer frame 716 also helps to urge infant carrier
730 towards gate 154, or rear, of shopping cart 150 to provide
additional stabilization, as illustrated in FIG. 11. By urging
infant carrier 730 into contact with gate 154 or outer frame 716 of
holder 700 that is adjacent gate 154, holder 700 contributes to the
positioning of infant carrier 730 in a stable and secure location.
This location is supported by support members 720 and their
generally concave shape, and gate 154 of shopping cart 150, as well
as by outer frame 716 of holder 700. As with the other example
embodiments discussed above, illustrated holder 700 can be provided
with straps, buckle segments and/or adjusters to secure infant
carrier 730 to holder 700. Any suitable type of securing mechanism
can be used, including those mentioned above, to secure infant
carrier 730 to holder 700.
[0070] It should be understood that while the present disclosure
describes various example embodiments of an infant carrier holder,
numerous variations and modifications can be applied to the
disclosed embodiments, or other embodiments, that should be
considered within the scope of the present disclosure. For example,
the infant carrier holder can be mountable on or integral with a
transport device, including a shopping cart. The protrusions or
ramps, such as protrusions 518 or ramps 510, can be provided or
omitted according to useful configurations of the infant carrier
holder. The infant carrier holder can be located within a basket of
a shopping cart, or mounted outside of a basket and can be
configured to face various directions, while being nestable or
non-nestable with other transport devices, shopping carts and/or
infant carrier holders. Moreover, characteristics described for a
given embodiment of the infant carrier holder can be applied to or
omitted from other example embodiments described herein. For
example, one or more of the embodiments described herein can be
configured so that the infant carrier holders are stackable for
purposes of compact shipping. As another example, the infant
carrier holder may be provided as a plastic or metal wire frame
that can be attached to or integral with a shopping cart.
[0071] Referring now to FIGS. 13-15, another example implementation
of an infant carrier transport 600 is provided. Infant carrier
transport 600 can be used in applications for a person sitting or
standing and transporting an infant in an infant carrier 610. For
example, a person sitting in a wheelchair 620 can use infant
carrier transport 600 to transport infant carrier 610 to avoid
lifting and carrying infant carrier 610, or to avoid positioning
infant carrier 610 on wheelchair 620, including positioning infant
carrier 610 in the person's lap.
[0072] Infant carrier transport 600 is provided with a frame 640
connected to and supported by wheels 642. Frame 640 includes an
upright middle section 660, which is connected to a base section
662 and an upright rear section 664. Middle section 660 contributes
to providing rigidity to frame 640, as well as supporting a top
portion 668 of rear section 664.
[0073] Middle section 660 is also connected to a support plate 670
that spans between two upright portions 672 of middle section 660.
Support plate 670 can be provided with mounting elements such as
holes that can be used to mount infant carrier holder 650. Support
plate 670 may be varied in position to adjust a mounting position
for a mounted infant carrier holder 650. For example, support plate
670 can be moved upward and downward, or have multiple mounting
holes to permit a mounting height for infant carrier holder 650 to
be varied. Support plate 670 can also be modified in position
translationally, e.g., in a horizontal direction, to contribute to
adjust a mounting angle of infant carrier holder 650. Infant
carrier holder 650 can also be fastened to top portion 668 in a
pivoting attachment to permit infant carrier holder 650 to be
supported at different angles. Thus, the arrangement of support
plate 670 and top portion 668 is suitable for mounting an infant
carrier holder 650 at a desired angle. Support plate 670 may also
be used to support a hook 678 that can be used to hang items for
transport on infant carrier transport 600.
[0074] Rear section 664 is shaped to have a portion 674 that
extends or bows rearward of infant carrier transport 600. Portion
674 provides a region that can be used as a lower handle for a
person seated. For example, portion 674 can be located generally at
about knee level, or above wheels 642 and at least partially below
infant carrier holder 650. A person using wheelchair 620 can grasp
portions 674 and move infant carrier transport 600 in concert with
movement of wheelchair 620, for example. Portion 674 extends in a
rearward direction of infant carrier transport 600 and provides a
shape and position that contributes to several functions. For
example, portion 674 creates a space between a rear of infant
carrier transport 600 and middle section 660. The space is large
enough to accommodate a person's legs when riding in wheelchair 620
when infant carrier transport 600 is fastened thereto. Base section
662 includes an open area between rear section 664 and middle
section 660. The open area contributes to the space to accommodate
a person's legs when riding in wheelchair 620.
[0075] Portion 674 extends a distance between a rear of infant
carrier transport 600 and middle section 660, which contributes to
obtaining space for a tray 676 that is located near top portion
668. Tray 676 can be used to provide easy-access storage for items
while transporting an infant in infant carrier transport 600. For
example, a person being moved in wheelchair 620 may have items that
are helpful for caring for an infant that can be placed in tray 676
for ease of access and to permit the person to have their hands
free for other tasks. Tray 676 includes a hook 680 that may be used
to hang items that are transported with infant carrier transport
600.
[0076] Infant carrier holder 650 can be implemented as infant
carrier holder 500 or 700, and can be provided with an adjustable
mount 652 that permits mounting of infant carrier holder 650 at
different angles. Frame 640 can be provided with wheels, such as
casters 642, for example, that may be fixed in position, or
pivotable. Frame 640 may be provided with a storage space 644 to
permit other articles to be transported along with infant carrier
610. Handles 646 may be provided to frame 640 to permit a person to
grasp and push or pull infant carrier transport 600. Handles 646
may also be used as grips to support a standing person pushing
infant carrier transport 600. For example, a person that may have
some difficulty in walking can grip handles 646 and support
themselves by bearing weight on infant carrier transport 600, while
moving the same. Multiple handles 646 may be provided in positions
sufficient to permit a person to use transport 600 by grasping
handles 646 in either a standing or a sitting position. Transport
600 may be provided with a brake (not shown) to slow or obstruct
movement of transport 600, or to lock transport 600 in place. Mount
652 may be provided to the transport as a variable mount to permit
the height of the infant carrier holder 650 to be adjusted. The
adjustable height of the mounted infant carrier holder 650 permits
persons in various positions and of different heights to more
easily use infant carrier transport 600. For example, a person
using transport 600 may wish to have infant carrier 610 positioned
at eye level if they are in a sitting position, such as may be the
case if the person is sitting in wheelchair 620, for example.
[0077] Infant carrier transport 600 illustrated in FIGS. 13-15 may
utilize infant carrier holder 650 with any of the above described
infant carriers. Infant carrier transport 600 may be used with
wheelchair 620, as shown in FIG. 13, or may be used by a person in
a standing position.
[0078] Transport 600 can be coupled to wheelchair 620 or other
personal transportation device with a releasable attachment
mechanism 648. Attachment mechanism 648 may be implemented, for
example, as hook and loop fastened straps, buckles, adjustable
bars, tube frames or any other suitable device that can couple
transport 600 to wheelchair 620 or to any other personal
transportation device suitable for being coupled to transport 600.
Transport 600 can be configured to accommodate multiple infant
carriers 610, for example, in a stacked or side-by-side
configuration. According to an example, wheels 642 of transport 600
can all pivot around an upwardly facing axis when transport 600 is
coupled to wheelchair 620, to permit transport 600 to move in
lateral directions in accordance with the movement of wheelchair
620.
[0079] The foregoing description has been directed to particular
embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent,
however, that other variations and modifications may be made to the
described embodiments, with the attainment of some or all of their
advantages. The appended claims are intended to cover all such
variations and modifications as come within the scope of the
disclosed invention.
* * * * *